Goals and Objectives

• to provide in-depth education in chemistry and closely related
  fields (biochemistry, polymer science);
• to provide students with a diversified background and a
  thorough understanding of the scientific principles.

The chemistry department is proud of the diversity of training and research interests of its faculty and staff. Students have the opportunity of working on a wide variety of research topics ranging from ultra-high vacuum surface analysis, polymer science, and environmental studies to chemistry in biological systems and spectroscopic characterization of enzymes.

UWRF is a University of Wisconsin System Center of Excellence in Undergraduate Chemistry and Physics.

Program and/or Curriculum

The chemistry department offers several options, for chemistry majors, all of which are based on a core curriculum with additional requirements based on each option.

• Bachelor of Science option chemistry major
• ACS-Approved option chemistry major
• Biochemistry options
• Polymer option

The chemistry department also offers a dual degree option in engineering with either UW-Madison
or the University of Minnesota.

Faculty

The department of chemistry employs thirteen faculty members who have doctoral degrees and specialties in organic synthesis, biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, laser science and spectroscopy, physical chemistry, polymer synthesis and characterization, inorganic/organometallic chemistry, protein characterization, and analytical chemistry.

Career Opportunities

Today, the employment outlook for chemists is excellent and projections indicate it will be even better in the near future. Careers in government or private industry include:

• New Materials - chemists have played an historic role in the development of polymers and today are finding new polymers, new ceramics, superconductors and new combinations of materials for applications in aerospace, electronics, medicine, building, and transportation industries.
• Energy - chemists are playing an important role in the development of materials for solar energy cells, for new lasers, for nuclear fusion research and in batteries and fuel cells for energy storage.
• Health - the development of chemotherapy reagents, pharmaceuticals, and time release drugs are areas for chemists. Chemists will also play an important role in recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering.
• Environment - monitoring the environment and the development of recycling processes for waste and reusable resources are chemical problems.
• Education - our nation is confronted with an urgent need for improving science education at the pre-college level. The challenge is great and rewards for good teachers at the high school level are personally satisfying.

Many other opportunities exist for chemists in agriculture, business, law, and in forensic laboratories. Graduate education in chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular or cell biology, environmental sciences, life sciences, and oceanography are some of the many opportunities open to chemistry graduates. Many chemistry graduates at UW-River Falls go on directly to graduate school to earn advanced degrees; others enter employment in government or industry; some attend programs in medical or veterinary sciences or pharmacology; and some choose to enter the teaching field.